Courts, corrections examine mistaken inmate release

New York courts and the Department of Corrections are trying to figure out how they mistakenly released a man in custody on violent charges.

News 12 obtained a criminal complaint against Edward Dawkins that outlined the charges to which he pleaded guilty, including forcible touching, unlawful imprisonment and attempted assault in the third degree.

Dawkins was sentenced Tuesday to nine months in prison after prosecutors say he attacked a woman inside the elevator of a Park Avenue building on Jan. 2.

So far, no one has claimed responsibility for his mistaken release.

A bench warrant has been issued for Dawkin's arrest. News 12 is told by the District Attorney's Office that the judge will need to re-issue the sentence before he's sent back to Rikers Island.